Cabaret Night The Boys and Girls Choirs at St. Peter's present this program featuring Grammy Award Nominee Tom Chapin in the McGlohon Theatre. Wed., Oct. 30, 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. $7-60. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Chamber Music at St. Peter's November's performance features La Bonne Chanson, Opus 61. Gabriel Faure set to music this Paul Verlaine love poem about a young man who longs through a daydream to be with his lover. Tue., Nov. 5, 12:10 p.m. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. 7th St. 704-332-7746.

Davidson College Symphony Orchestra Concerto/Aria Competition The public is invited to attend. Competitors begin performing at 10am. Call for more information. Sat., Nov. 9. Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2356.

Elizabeth Ransom and Joseph Pecoraro The flute and guitar duo will present a Concert Series performance. The program begins at 8pm. Call for tickets. Mon., Nov. 11. $15 general admission, $10 seniors. Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2135.

Jazz & Classical Essentials Sunday Brunch Borders will be playing jazz and classical music from their essential catalogs. Coffee and pastry provided. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Free. Borders, 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-6261.

Music for Carnival Presented by the Charlotte Civic Orchestra. David Crowe will lead the orchestra in a performance of his original children's works. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Sun., Nov. 3, 3 p.m. $8 adults, $6 seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Dana Auditorium, Queens University. 704-344-0098.

Music, Noise, Silence! The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will present Music, Noise, Silence! featuring the Magic Circle Mime Company. Come early at 10am for an interactive Pre-Concert Festival. Associate Conductor David Tang will lead the performance. This is the first concert of the Charlotte Symphony Lollipops Series, a set of four concerts designed for young listeners ages 4-9, their parents and grandparents. Sat., Nov. 9, 11 a.m. $8-$16. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Musical Interlude Mezzo-soprano Diane Thornton will present a lunchtime concert. She will be accompanied by pianist Ruskin Cooper, and Davidson music student Monica Slinkard will perform Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu Op. 66. Tue., Nov. 12, 12:30 p.m. Admission is free. Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2356.

Opera Workshop Concert The ensemble, under the direction of Professor Jane Dillard, will perform scenes from "The Devil and Daniel Webster" by Douglas Moore, "The Medium" by Gian Carlo Menotti, and a short Christmas opera called "St. Nicholas" by Richard Shepard. Thu., Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Rowe Recital Hall, UNCC. 704-687-2599.

Pianist Christopher O'Riley O'Riley performs with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra as they welcome guest conductor Carl St. Clair, conducting the music of Frank Ticheli, Chopin, and Prokofiev. Sat., Nov. 2, 8 p.m. $12-60. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

United States Naval Academy Men's Glee Club & The Charlotte Symphony Pops Salute American Heroes Albert-George Schram will lead the concerts, which will feature Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man and patriotic selections including Battle Hymn of the Republic and the Star-Spangled Banner. www.charlottesymphony.org. Nov. 8-9, 8 p.m. $15-$60. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-1000.

Comedy

Bayou Kitchen Extreme Improv. Completely improvised comedy shows based on your suggestions. Similar to "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Southern and Cajun dinner and drinks are available at the Bayou as well. Tell your server you are there to see the show for proper seating. Visit www.extremeimprov.com for details/reservations. Saturdays, 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. 1958 E 7th St. 1-866-467-7681.

Cricket Arena Latham Entertainment Presents. The show highlights comedians Earthquake, Bruce Bruce, Rickey Smiley, Sommore and DL Hughley and is hosted by J. Anthony Brown. Fri., Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. $35.50 in advance, $37.50 day of show. 2700 E Independence Blvd. 704-522-6500.

* The Perch Theatre Perch Comedy. Cheerfully offending Charlotte since 1994. Showtimes are 9pm, 11pm, on Friday and Saturday nights, and an additional show on Saturdays at 1am. The 9pm show is non-smoking. The Talking Baby Talk Show #3 is every Thursday in Oct. at 9:30pm. Performances are rated R for verbal content. www.theperch.com. Fri., Sat. $10/$8 for students with I.D. 1500 B. Central Ave. 704-372-7724.

Psychotic Pooch Live Sketch Comedy and Improv. Comedy rated NC-17 for situations and content. Large group rates available. Call for reservations, directions or more info. DJ after-party every Saturday. Fri., Sat., 11 p.m. Continues through Jan. 8. 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

The Comedy Zone College Night and "SIN" (Service Industry Workers) Night. Get free admission for the 8pm show and with your Comedy Zone ticket, get in free to Have a Nice Day Cafe. Wednesdays. 516 N. College St., Wed. & Thurs.- 8pm, Fri. & Sat.- 8pm, 10:15pm. 704-348-4242.

Dance

Dance Break North Carolina Dance Theatre 2 will give free lunchtime performances from 12:15-1pm in the Duke Power Theatre. Dance Break gives viewers a chance to experience quality dance up close in a casual atmosphere and is a diversion to the usual lunch break. Box lunches from Something Classic will be available. Oct. 28-30. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance The international sensation that has broken box office records in more than 30 countries is returning to North America for an expansive tour. The Charlotte performances will be held in the Belk Theater. Nov. 12-14, 8 p.m.; Nov. 15-16, 8:15 p.m.; Nov. 16-17, 2 p.m.; Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. $20-$58. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

The Tamburitzans Forty Duquesne University students who present and preserve traditional Eastern European music and dance, will give an Artists Series presentation. Sat., Nov. 2, 8 p.m. $10-$20. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2244.

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell Highways & Byways of Our State. A photographic road trip of eclectic NC sites and scenes, all viewed from the state's Highways and Byways, using archival images from Our State: North Carolina magazine. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Jan. 12. Native American Plant Remedies. An exhibit of drawings, paintings, pastels and watercolors of flora and fauna used by early Native Americans as effective cures, accompanies the Native American Gardens on the Museum's grounds. Oct. 29-Dec. 3. Soldier's Stories: War in the First Person. Multimedia exhibit in the Millennium Gallery tells the personal stories of war as shared through the written and recorded war-time correspondence of soldiers from the region. A Charlotte Shout event. Continues through Sept. 30, 2003. Regular Museum admission. 3500 Shamrock Dr., Between Eastway and Sharon Amity. 704-568-1774.

Gaston County Museum of Art & History Carolinas Textile Exhibit- The Ties That Bind. Interactive displays, engaging scale models, authentic artifacts and photos detail how the textile industry transformed the economy, technology and communities of the new south. Tue.-Sun. Veterans Day Observance. Join the Gaston County Museum in honoring the men and women who have risked their lives to keep our country safe. Refreshments served following the ceremony. Sat., Nov. 9, 1 p.m. A Visual Harvest Juried Art Exhibition. A bounty of regional artwork returns to this annual event, featuring paintings, sculpture and other works of art from local artists. Continues through Nov. 2. 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025.

* Levine Museum of the New South Americanos: Latino Life in the United States. An exhibition presenting an intimate portrait of the Latino community through the work of 30 prize-winning photographers. The museum will also feature oral histories and artifacts from the Charlotte-area Latino community. Oct. 26-Jan. 20. Dia de los Muertos. Day of the Dead Family Festival. Make paper flowers, taste traditional Mexican foods. Make crafts to celebrate the holiday. Grupo Latino de Rock Hill and other dance groups will demonstrate traditional dances and costumes of many Latin American countries. Sat., Nov. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free all day. History After Hours. Explore the museum's exhibits after hours for free. Part of uptown's first Friday gallery crawls. Fri., Nov. 1, 5-7 p.m. The New South's Love Affair with the Car. The exhibit explores four aspects of the South's relationship with the car. Vintage local photos, racing history, and more. Tue.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 31. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

* Mint Museum of Art Celebrating the Legacy of Romare Bearden. A juried exhibition co-sponsored with McColl Center for Visual Art. North and South Carolina artists' works were selected by David C. Driskell and reflect the inspiration of Romare Bearden. The exhibition is in two parts: one half at the Mint Museum of Art and one half at Spirit Square. Continues through Feb. 23, 2003. Everyman's Gold. English lustreware from the Collection of John Elsley. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 1. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000 or 704-333-MINT.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design Coming of Age. Traces the evolution of the museum's collection (1937 to the present), illustrating the work of some of the 20th and 21st century's craftspeople and designers. Tue.-Sun. Continues through April 6. Currents In Craft. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. Point of View: Public and Private Collecting Part I. Point of View demonstrates how materials, techniques and themes guide collectors on their quest to shape meaningful collections. Continues through Feb. 23. Tradition & Change: 19th and 20th Century Craft At The Mint. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.

Museum of York County All About Cats. This exhibit features many of the world's cats including the well-known lion, tiger, jaguar, panther, and leopard, as well as the lesser known species. Continues through Sept. 14, 2003. An Historical Look at Visual Communication: Illustrators of the 20th Century. Visitors can view over 50 works from past and current members of the Society of Illustrators. Continues through Jan. 3. Gatherin' Together: Scotch-Irish Lifeways in the Carolina Piedmont. Explore the origins of customs, traditions and lifeways of the Scotch-Irish through their language, music, folklore, religion, politics, industry, and decorative arts. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Feb. 2. Illustrator Vernon Grant: A Century of American Whimsy. This exhibit examines Grant's career that spanned seven decades. He produced gnomes, caricatures and nursery rhyme renderings, while his advertising icons sold a multitude of products. Continues through Oct. 5, 2003. The Nick of Time: New Classics from Old. This exhibit will present a new Christmas line produced by Department 56 and the original Vernon Grant illustrations from which it was based. Nov. 2-Jan. 5. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.

Spoken Word

23 Studio/Pat's Tavern Open Mic Spoken Word Poetry Night. A chance for all local poets, drummers and entertainers to come showcase their talent. After each poetry session you can stay and listen to DJ Live and an up and coming musical act to follow. There will also be local incense, oil, art and jewelry vendors at the event. Thursdays. $5 before 10:30pm, $10 thereafter. 3209 N. Davidson St. 704-370-6107.

Club Myxx Organik Funk. Hip-Hop, Spoken Word open mic. Sundays, 9 p.m. $3 members, $5 non-members. 3110 S. Tryon St. 704-623-0058.

Crystal on the Plaza Reggae Club Wisdom Wednesdays. Open Mic, Spoken Word, Poetry and other conscious thoughts and expressions. Word, Sound & Power...Roots, Culture & Knowledge. Hosted by Aquiyla and Nina, MC by Filmore, Musical Innervisions by DJ DR and DJ Justice. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. 3018 The Plaza. 704-376-3799.

Swing 1000 Rhythm Theory Tuesdays. Enjoy open-mic poetry, music, and dancing. Doors open at 6pm. Poetry begins at 7:30pm. Tuesdays. Free before 7:15pm. 1000 Central Ave. 704-334-4443.

Theater: Openings

Black Light Magic Performed by the Omimeo Mime Theatre. The performers weave the techniques of black light illusions with the comedy and mystery of mime. Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 2, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.; Nov. 3, 2 p.m. $6-8. Children's Theatre of Charlotte.

Dracula The Hopewell Headliners present Steven Dietz's rendition of Bram Stoker's Dracula, starring Carey Kugler and Ricky Dills. Tickets are available at the door. Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. $5 students/senior citizens, $6 adults. Hopewell High School, 11530 Beatties Ford Rd. 704-343-5988.

Fully Committed By Becky Mode. Presented in the McGlohon Theatre by the Charlotte Repertory Theatre. A story of coercion, threats and bribes. All just part of a regular day in the life of Sam Peliczowski, an out-of-work actor who works the reservation line at one of New York's hottest restaurants. Come meet 40 wildly diverse characters- all performed by one actor. Nov. 6-7, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 8-9, 8 p.m.; Nov. 10, 3 p.m.; Nov. 13-14, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 15-16, 8 p.m.; Nov. 17, 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $28-31.50. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Larry's Rhetorical Conundrum Northwest School of the Arts presents this original toxic musical comedy. This production is written by two Northwest seniors, Alec Wells and Jeremy Kinser. The production is entirely produced by students under the guidance of Mr. Barry Delaney. Nov. 1-2, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 6-7, 7:30 p.m. $5 (available at the door). Northwest School of the Arts. 704-343-5500.

Lend Me a Tenor This is a grand night in the history of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. But... a world-famous tenor gets ill; the theatre's janitor is tapped to take his place; the tenor's wife and mistress both show up at the same time. Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 8 p.m.; Nov. 7-9, 8 p.m.; Nov. 10, 2:30 p.m.; Nov. 14-16, 8 p.m.; Nov. 17, 2:30 p.m. $15-20. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-376-3777.

Misery A theatrical performance based on Stephen King's novel, starring Vance High School seniors Melissa Kelly and Frank Roberts. Nov. 6-9, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 9-10, 2 p.m. $8 adults, $5 students and children under 12. Vance High School, 7600 IBM Road. 704-343-5284.

Over the River and Through the Woods A comedy by Joe DiPietro. Nov. 1-2, 8 p.m.; Nov. 3, 3 p.m.; Nov. 8-9, 8 p.m.; Nov. 10, 3 p.m. $8 adults, $7 students/seniors. Rock Hill Community Theatre, 236 West Main St., Rock Hill. 803-324-2578.

Picnic CPCC Theatre will present the award-winning play by William Inge. Winner of the 1953 Pulitzer Prize and the Drama Critics Circle Award, Picnic tells the story of the arrival of a drifter into a small Midwestern community one hot Labor Day weekend. Nov. 1-2, 8 p.m.; Nov. 8-9, 8 p.m.; Nov. 10, 2:30 p.m. $12. Pease Auditorium, 1200 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

Teeny Tiny Tales The Tarradiddle Players offer special performances for younger audiences- preschool-aged children love these simple tales which invite audience participation. Using familiar songs, stories and rhymes, they introduce children to the wonders of live theatre. Nov. 9, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.; Nov. 10, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. Side seats, $6. Center seats are sold out. Children's Theatre of Charlotte.

Theater: Ongoing

* Dracula OTTC artistic director Glenn Griffin directs his adaptation of the classic vampire story. Featuring Creative Loafing Actress of the Year 2001, Sheila Snow Proctor as Renfield. Oct. 30 is pay-what-you-can night. Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 8 p.m. $15 adults, $12 students and seniors. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

* M. Butterfly The Charlotte Repertory Theatre presents David Henry Hwang's 1988 Tony Award-winning play. In a parallel to Puccini's Madame Butterfly, it tells the story of a French diplomat and his love affair with a Chinese opera star who fulfills his fantasies of exotic sexuality. Booth Playhouse. Call or visit www.charlotte rep.org to order tickets. Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 2, 8 p.m.; Nov. 3, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 6-7, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 8-9, 8 p.m.; Nov. 10, 2 p.m. $24-31.50. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

The Sci-fi Political Psychodrama Weekends The show opens with one of Rod Sterling's best Twilight Zone episodes in the hospital room of "Patient 307." Next, on the mainstage is Closet Land: an author accused of inserting subliminal anti-government messages into her children's stories endures humiliation and torture for refusing to sign a false confession. Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 8 p.m.; Nov. 7-9, 8 p.m. $15. Hart-Witzen Gallery, 611 W. 5th St. 704-334-1177.

A Taste of Broadway an ongoing musical theatre revue that will combine fine food with the flavor of Broadway. Sundays, 5-9 p.m. $10 per person for show only. Food costs extra. Swing 1000, 1000 Central Ave. 704-334-4443.

Visual Arts: Openings

Art 1 Gallery Holiday Gallery. A 3-week celebration of small arts and crafts for sale by regional artists that are made available at Art 1 Gallery. Special prices and original gift ideas, artworks and greeting cards will be made available. Nov. 7- Dec. 28. Shaping Space: Perspectives in Culture. Featuring Chad Nichols and David Pollard. An opening reception will be held on Nov. 7 at 5:30pm. Holiday Gallery Opens in conjunction with Shaping Space. Booths are still available. Call for more info. Nov. 7-Dec. 31. 170 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-854-8800.

Center of the Earth Gallery Maggie Taylor: Looking Back. Taylor creates symbolic images using photography as well as computer generated imagery, often appropriating Victorian photographs. Nov. 1-Dec. 28. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Charlotte Art League Encounters. A show by four of Charlotte Art League's female artists: Terry Thirion, Marilyn Dix, Han Cashion and Marianne Reuss. A reception will be held from 6-9pm on Nov. 8. Nov. 8-16. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Cleveland County Fairgrounds Carolina Pottery Festival. A one-day event in Shelby, NC. Over 90 regional and local potters will exhibit and sell their creations. Local Charlotte potters includes Walter Aberson, Linda Dalton, Pamela Dolin, Corine Guseman, Karen Kammer, Mary Mason, Patsy McAlpine, Lester Morris & Ahmad Sabha, Cindi Powell, Brenda Roberts, and Gena VanDyke. Sat., Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $2. Business Highway 74, Shelby. 704-542-8869.

CPCC Art Gallery Divergence: Two Approaches to Organic Form. Jill Allen and Mary Mason. Both artists question the notion, so common in Western culture, that art and use are mutually exclusive. However, their specific sources of imagery are quite different and they have chosen artistic genre that are often thought to be diametrically opposed. A public reception will be held on Nov. 13 from 4-6pm. Nov. 8-Dec. 8. P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6480.

Elder Art Gallery Recent Paintings and Sculptures by Wayne Trapp. Recent oil paintings, drawings and sculptures by Wayne Trapp. An opening reception will be held on Nov. 1 from 6-9pm. Nov. 1-30. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Gaston County Public Library Miniature Art Show. Original miniature competition art exhibition featuring artwork by regional artists, presented by the Gaston County Art Guild. For more information on this and other current library exhibits, call Carol Reinhardt. Nov. 1-30. 1555 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia. 704-868-2167.

Green Door Gallery November Exhibit. Local members of the Tri-State Sculptors Educational Association will present a small format collection of work. Also, "Tapestry by Tots," a collection of fabric art assemblages and hangings from local elementary art students will be displayed. A reception will be held on Nov. 8 from 6-9pm during the Gallery Crawl in Cannon Village, Kannapolis. Nov. 8-29. 221 West A St., Cannon Village, Kannapolis. 704-932-0099.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Raymond Chorneau and Tony Griffin. Two painters from North Carolina who enjoy the tactile sense of oil paint on the canvas, though the imagery of each artist stems from opposing points of view. A reception will be held on Nov. 1 from 6-8pm. Nov. 1-Dec. 28. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Wolf Kahn at Seventy-Five. In honor of the artist's 75th birthday, the gallery will feature a solo exhibition of both oil and pastel paintings by Wolf Kahn. Nov. 9-Jan. 4. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Shaun Cassidy- new works. A reception will be held on Nov. 1 at 6:30pm. Nov. 1-Dec. 31. 318 E 9th. 704-373-1464.

Myersart Gallery November. Mary Mason's realistically detailed clay fruits and vegetables. Nov. 1-30. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

Noel Gallery Cedric Smith "Once Upon a Time". Smith celebrates color and the proportion of scale that children often use in emphasizing subjects. Artist reception and book signing on Nov. 1 from 6-8pm. A children's milk & cookie reception will be held on Nov. 2 from 12-2pm. Nov. 1-Dec. 29. Transamerica Square, 401 N. Tryon St. 704-343-0050.

Pope's Gallery Sheila Hamilton. Exhibiting lively oil paintings of still lifes as well as beach scenes including shildren and mother and child (Arboretum). Nov. 1-30. Denise Nelson. Featuring photo-realistic oil paintings of regional wildlife and mountain-scapes (Myers Park). Nov. 1-30. 8016-900 Providence Rd. and 1035 Providence Rd. 704-541-3199 or 704-342-1774.

Queen's Gallery & Art Center Expressions of Self, Expressions of Place. Paintings and assemblages by CPCC art students of Elizabeth Ross. An opening reception will be held on Nov. 9 from 6-9pm. Nov. 8-Dec. 6. 1212 The Plaza. 704-372-2993.

Rock Hill Arts Council Rock Hill A to Z. The range of topics is broad- from Anderson Motor Company to Zip Code. This exhibit presents themes in Rock Hill history to illustrate all 26 letters of the alphabet. Nov. 8-Dec. 31. 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill. 803-328-2787.

Shain Fine Art Originals William Jameson. Jameson has shared his insight into the wonders of the natural world in shows from California to New York to Bologna, Italy. An opening reception will be held on Nov. 7 from 6-9pm. Nov. 7-30. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.